Wry Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (original) (raw)

wry

/ˈraɪ/

adjective

wryer;

wriest

wry

/ˈraɪ/

adjective

wryer;

wriest

Britannica Dictionary definition of WRY

[or more wry; most wry]

1

:

humorous in a clever and often ironic way

• His books are noted for their wry humor.

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2

:

showing both amusement and a feeling of being tired, annoyed, etc.

• When I asked her how she felt after winning the race, she gave me a wry smile/grin and said, “Pretty tired.”

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— wryly

adverb

• She smiled wryly.

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— wryness

noun

[noncount]